Hi. My friend asked me a question, and i don't know how to answer it, so i ask here. My friend has a 2 year old belgian sheep dog who was very attached to his family (especially his father). His father would come back from work at around 5:30 pm, and just around that time the dog would stand towards the door, anticipating the father to come in and then he'd greet and jump in joy when the father opens the door to enter home. Often the sheep dog would start looking out the window and wag his tail eagerly at around 5:15 pm. Unfortunately, my friend's father passed away in a car accident last month. But the dog still rushes towards the door at around 5: 30 pm and waits there and watches out the window too, eagerly expecting father to come in -- which will never happen again. The dog continues this routine daily and fails to understand the reality. How to make the sheep dog realize that the father of my friend is no longer alive?
2007-09-30 19:10:13 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am sorry to hear about your friends father's. I had a cat that was very attached to my aunt who died and I took the cat to the vet because it was not itself. The vet wanted to put the cat on some form of anti-depressant. Animals grieve when a master passes just like people do. I would suggest changing the dogs routine. Take him for a walk at 5:30 everyday. You can't make a dog understand something like that. They are creatures of habit, so you can start by changing the habit. If after a few weeks, this doesn't work, talk to the vet or a behaviour specialist. Good luck.
2007-09-30 19:17:47 · answer #1 · answered by Dukesmom 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is heartbreaking, i am so sorry about your friend's father.. I agree though probally nothing but time will make the pet realize that this person is no longer around. Maybe around that time your friend could do stuff with the dog like take him for a walk, distract him from the routine... So he has something else to look forward to. Take him into the backyard and such with his favorite toy and play, try and break him pf the routine. Pets grieve just like we do, when something they are so use to is no longer around, they don't understand what is going on. Just give him some time, and maybe try a few different things with the pet.. Best of luck and again i am sorry..
2007-09-30 19:21:27 · answer #2 · answered by Against the <BSL> 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fortunately, dogs live in the moment. What your friend is seeing is a habit the dog has developed. Yes, the dog is looking forward to the arrival of the pack leader; however, someone has to takeover this role and help the dog develop a new routine. Someone needs to walk the dog once or preferably twice a day.
Remember just as we adjust to losing someone, dogs will do the same. Who will be the new leader?
2007-09-30 19:26:14 · answer #3 · answered by YRU4IT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time is the only thing.. She could try to distract him around that time.. Start new habits.. Maybe going for a walk at 5:15 and not being home at 5:30.. Something fun and different so that he builds new associations.
2007-09-30 19:39:46 · answer #4 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is so sad! Animals do grieve. Maybe it would help to start a new routine with the dog that he will look forward to during this time, like taking him for a walk around the neighborhood followed by a treat he likes.
Sorry for the great loss!
2007-09-30 19:18:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's the sweetest and the saddest thing I ever read.
Unfortunately if the devoted dog stops hoping Dad will come he may just lay down and die of grief. I think as the family moves on away from their own grief the dog will ease up.
Keep in mind they still look at the clock too, and now the dog keeps the expectation going.
I pray for all............
2007-09-30 19:20:09 · answer #6 · answered by Liz H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't think there's any way to make him understand that. I assume that after a while, the dog will realize it and stop. Maybe try distracting him around that time? Not everyday, but once in a while choose that time to play with him or take him for a wlak or something. Something to get his mind off things?
2007-10-01 02:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by lorak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is really sad :( Try preoccupying the dog during that time, do happy things with him, play with him outside or take him for a walk. Unfortunately he might always think his master will return one day. The dog might end up feeling depressed so don't exclude the dog during the family's mourning period.
2007-09-30 19:22:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals trust that their master will always come back for them. No matter how long they are gone. Ive heard this type of story before (TRUE STORY). And the dog waited for its master until the dog itself passed from old age. its very sad. The dog may never understand. =(
2007-09-30 19:21:58 · answer #9 · answered by Bella ♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might sound crazy,but have them take the dog to the cemetery and let it see and smell the grave.Dogs understand a lot more than we think they do.There is no other way to explain to the dog that the man is dead.Of course,it may not help at all,but you never know.
Edit: I just found this,it's quite touching.Have your friend read it.
http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/stone.html
2007-09-30 19:21:11 · answer #10 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋